Polyphasic multi-coil electric device

ABSTRACT

A polyphasic multi-coil generator includes a driveshaft, at least first and second rotors rigidly mounted on the driveshaft so as to simultaneously synchronously rotate with rotation of the driveshaft, and at least one stator sandwiched between the first and second rotors. The stator has an aperture through which the driveshaft is rotatably journalled. A stator array on the stator has an equally circumferentially spaced-apart array of electrically conductive coils mounted to the stator in a first angular orientation about the driveshaft. The rotors and the stator lie in substantially parallel planes. The first and second rotors have, respectively, first and second rotor arrays.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/760,704 filed on Jun. 8, 2007, entitled POLYPHASIC MULTI-COILGENERATOR, which claims the priority date of U.S. Provisional patentapplication No. 60/804,279 filed on Jun. 8, 2006, entitled POLY-PHASICMULTI-COIL GENERATOR.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of generators, and moreparticularly, it relates to a generator having polyphasic multiple coilsin staged staggered arrays.

2. Background of the Invention

Conventional electric motors employ magnetic forces to produce eitherrotational or linear motion. Electric motors operate on the principlethat when a conductor, which carries a current, is located in themagnetic field, a magnetic force is exerted upon the conductor resultingin movement. Conventional generators operate through the movement ofmagnetic fields thereby producing a current in a conductor situatedwithin the magnetic fields. As a result of the relationship betweenconventional motors and generators, conventional generator technologieshave focused mainly on modifying electric motor designs, for example, byreversing the operation of an electric motor.

In a conventional design for an electric motor, adding an electricalcurrent to the coils of an induction system creates a force through theinteraction of the magnetic fields and the conducting wire. The forcerotates a shaft. Conventional electric generator design is the opposite.By rotating the shaft, an electric current is created in the conductorcoils. However the electric current will continue to oppose the forcerotating the shaft. This resistance will continue to grow as the speedof the shaft is increased, thus reducing the efficiency of thegenerator. In a generator where a wire is coiled around a soft iron core(ferromagnetic), a magnet may be drawn by the coil and a current will beproduced in the coil wire. However, the system would not create anefficient generator due to the physical reality that it takes moreenergy to pull the magnet away from the soft iron core of the coil thanwould be created in the form of electricity by the passing of themagnet.

As a result, there is a need for a generator wherein the magnetic dragmay be substantially reduced such that there is little resistance whilethe magnets are being drawn away from the coils. Furthermore, there is aneed for a generator that minimizes the impact of the magnetic dragproduced on the generator. In the prior art, Applicant is aware of U.S.Pat. No. 4,879,484 which issued to Huss on Nov. 7, 1989 for anAlternating Current Generator and Method of Angularly Adjusting theRelative Positions of Rotors Thereof. Huss describes an actuator forangularly adjusting a pair of rotors relative to each other about acommon axis, the invention being described as solving a problem withvoltage control as generator load varies where the output voltage of adual permanent magnet generator is described as being controlled byshifting the two rotors in and out of phase.

Applicant also is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,263 which issued Aug. 13,1985 to Avery for Electric D.C. Motors with a Plurality of Units, EachIncluding a Permanent Magnet Field Device and a Wound Armature forProducing Poles. In that reference, Avery discloses an electric motorhaving spaced stators enclosing respective rotors on a common shaftwherein circumferential, spaced permanent magnets are mounted on therotors and the stator windings are angularly offset with respect toadjacent stators slots so that cogging that occurs as the magnets pass astator slot are out of phase and thus substantially cancelled out.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,745 which issued to Luxon Oct. 16, 1984 for a Disc Rotor Permanent Magnet Generator. Luxdiscloses mounting an array of magnets on a rotor so as to pass themagnets between inner and outer stator coils. The inner and outerstators each have a plurality of coils so that for each revolution ofthe rotor more magnets pass by more coils than in what are described asstandard prior art generators having only an outer coil-carrying statorwith fewer, more spaced apart magnets.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,031 which issued Whartonon Dec. 8, 1981 for a Rotary Electrical Machine. Wharton purports toaddress the problem wherein a generator's use of permanent magnet rotorsgives rise to difficulties in regulating output voltage under varyingexternal load and shaft speed and so describes a servo control of therelative positions of the permanent magnets by providing a rotor havinga plurality of first circumferentially spaced permanent magnet polepieces and a plurality of second circumferentially spaced permanentmagnet pole pieces, where the servo causes relative movement between thefirst and second pole pieces, a stator winding surrounding the rotor.

Furthermore, while existing generator systems are relatively efficientat converting mechanical to electrical energy, these existing systemshave a narrow “efficient” operational range, and lack the specific powerdensity required to maximize usefulness for many applications. Existingsystems have only one “sweet spot” or one mode of efficient operation.As a result, these technologies are challenged to convert mechanicalenergy to electrical energy efficiently when the prime-mover energysource is continuously changing.

The “sweet spot” for many typical systems is about 1800 rpm. At thisspeed the generator can efficiently process kinetic energy intoelectricity, but at speeds outside this optimal range these systemscannot adapt and therefore either the energy collection system (i.e.,turbine) or signal processing circuitry must compensate. The methods forcompensation are many, and may simply be the turning of turbine bladesaway from the wind (furling or pitching) to slow the rotor, or gearingmechanisms to compensate when wind speeds are below the generatorsoptimal operating range. These methods all waste energy in an effort tomatch a constantly changing energy source with a generator looking for apredictable and constant prime-mover.

Therefore these conventional generators have an inability to maintain ahigh coefficient of performance due to a limited operating range.Extensive efforts have been made to expand the turbine's ability to copewith excessive energy (when wind energy exceeds the threshold) throughmechanical shedding of energy (i.e., wasted output). Conversely, inthose cases where input energy is below the threshold, currentgenerators either fail to operate, or they operate inefficiently (i.e.,wasted input). Most of the efforts to date have focused on eithermechanical input buffers (gear boxes) or electronic output buffers(controls), but the cost has been high, both in terms of developmentcosts & complexities as well as inefficiencies and increased operationscosts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As a result, there is a need for an adaptable generator system with morethan a single “sweet spot”. This system would be able to matchprime-mover and load so as to increase the efficiency of powergeneration in environments where either the source energy is changing orthe load requirement is changing.

The applicant is aware of industry's attempts to create a generator withmore than one “sweet spot”. For example, the WindMatic systems(http://www.solardyne.com/win15swinfar.html) utilize two separategenerators in an attempt to capture a broader range of wind speeds.While this dual generator design does prove to broaden the band ofoperation, the overall output for a given weight would be lower than thedisclosed Poly-Phasic Multi-Coil Generator (PPMCG). The PPMCGessentially combines a multitude of generators (18 for example) in asingle unit rather than requiring two separate generators to allow onlytwo separate sweet spots. In addition, for the WindMatic system thesetwo generator systems are combined and controlled through additionalgearing and hardware. Therefore, the design utilizing two separategenerators would have additional construction/material costs as well asadditional maintenance costs over the PPMCG design.

For many applications, the weight to output of the generator is ofutmost importance. Increasing the Specific Power Density of a generatorhas been an ongoing and primary focus for generator designers. Theproposed generator addresses this issue through a unique designcharacteristic called “Closed Flux Path Induction”.

Closed Flux Path Induction (CFPI) technology is possible in thePoly-Phasic Multi-Coil Generator (PPMCG) design due to the uniqueinternal geometry with respect to the magnetic influences and inductioncoils. The result is reduced flux leakage and a more efficient inductionprocess over conventional systems.

It is well known that the strength of the magnetic field (flux density)in a generator system determines the magnitude of the electrical output.Therefore the optimal system would ensure the strongest field density atthe induction coil poles while minimizing straying magnetic fields (fluxleakage) that creates unwanted currents in various generator componentswasting energy in the form of heat and straying electrical currents.These issues are addressed with the disclosed generator system as itmaximizes flux density where it is desired while at the same timereducing unwanted flux leakage.

Closed Flux Path Induction provides a path of high magnetic permeabilityfor the flux lines to travel. A common example of a closed flux path isa simple horseshoe magnet with a keeper. The keeper acts to close thepath for the magnetic field as it moves from one magnetic pole to theother.

Magnets have a diffuse magnetic field that permeates their immediatesurroundings. The flux lines that leave one pole MUST return to theopposite pole. The effective magnetic field induced by a flux linedepends on the path that it follows. If it must cover a large distancethrough a medium of low magnetic permeability (air) it will be arelatively weak field. If the flux line can pass through a material ofhigh magnetic permeability (ferromagnetic materials) a stronger field isproduced and less leakage will occur.

As an example, a small button magnet can easily pick up a paperclip ifit is held close to it but, if held at a distance equal to thepaperclips length there will be little effect because the permeabilityof air is very low. If a paperclip is placed between the magnet andanother paperclip, both paperclips may be picked up. The first paperclip acts as a path of high permeability for the magnet effectivelyincreasing the strength of the magnetic field at a distance.

The strength of a horseshoe magnet arises from this effect. When youpick up a piece of metal with a horseshoe magnet it completes themagnetic path by connecting the North and South poles with a material ofhigh magnetic permeability. A secondary effect of providing a path ofhigh permeability is that the flux leakage is reduced.

Flux leakage is defined as the undesirable magnetic field. That is, themagnetic field that is not focused on the desired object (the inductioncoil in a generator). Flux leakage is problematic for generators becauseit results in less magnetic field strength where it is desired, at theinduction coil poles, and it generates unwanted effects such as eddycurrents that reduce the systems efficiency.

Conventional generators have attempted to deal with the above issues byutilizing high permeability materials as cases or end caps so that thelarge magnetic fields generated can be utilized efficiently.Unfortunately, materials with high permeability are also quite heavy andreduce the power to weight ratio of the generator significantly. Inaddition, these systems have not been successful in a completelyisolated and controlled induction process as is the case with the PPMCG.

Many conventional electromagnetic induction generator systems utilizeexcitation systems as a current is required to excite the electromagnetsin order to create the necessary magnetic field. This is often done withanother smaller generator attached to the same rotor as the primarysystem such that as the rotor turns, a current is created in the primarysystem's electromagnets. There are other systems that utilize electricalstorage systems to create the initial required charge. These systems arenot as efficient as a permanent magnet system as a certain amount of theoutput power created by the generator is required to be fed back intoits own electromagnets in order to function, thus reducing efficiency.In addition, a PM system offers more field strength per weight thanelectromagnetic systems. Unfortunately, permanent magnets get moredifficult to work with as generators get larger, and larger systems inthe megawatt range are almost all electromagnetic induction systems. ThePPMCG system offers the benefits of both a PM machine and anelectromagnetic excitation “induction” generator through the use of ahybrid magnetic system.

Hybrid magnets can also be utilized in the PPMCG to further increase thestrength of the magnetic field beyond the strength of just the permanentmagnet. This hybrid magnet is an electromagnet with a permanent magnetimbedded into it in such a way as to maximize field strength andcontrollability over the field.

Because Voltage is dependent upon the length of a conductor that passesthrough a magnetic field, selecting the total conductor length of eachphase selects the voltage. With the unique PPMCG design the generatormay be easily modified to act as various systems with different voltageoutputs. The pins or other electrical contacts may be disposed aroundthe casing in a manner that allows the user or manufacture to select theoperating voltage of the motor or generator by connecting adjacentlayers in a selected angular orientation with respect to each other. Anorientation may be selected, such as to allow the operator to determinethe resultant voltage being created, if it is acting as a generator, orthe appropriate input voltage, if it is acting as a motor. For example,the same machine may run at 120 volts, 240 volts or 480 volts.

Conventional generator systems utilize a post-processing powerelectronics system that creates a sub-standard power signal and thenattempts to “fix” it through manipulating other system parameters suchas modifying the turbine blade pitch, or changing gearing ratios thatdrive the rotor. This post-processing practice that attempts to fix asignal after it is created lacks efficiency and often leads to the needfor asynchronous function where the output is converted into DC and thenback again to AC in order to be synchronous with the grid. This is aninefficient process where substantial losses are incurred in theinversion process.

As a result, there is a need for a more functional processing system.The PPMCG “Pre-Processing” power electronics is a key element to thePPMCG system. It allows the significant advantage of creating thedesired output signal in raw form rather than creating an inadequatesignal and then trying to fix it with conventional “post-processing”electronics. The PPMCG generator stages are monitored by the“Pre-Signal” Processing circuit, which allows the device to harmonizeoutput voltage and system resistance with grid requirements,simultaneously through adding and removing independent generator stages.While the staging system offers a course control, the electronics systemoffers the fine control required to ensure grid tolerances are met andseamless integration is achieved. Various mechanisms can be employed toensure smooth fine control as stages are added or removed from thesystem. One such mechanism would be a pulse wave modulator that pulsesin and out the stages while maintaining the desire generator operation.

The current from each stage of the system is monitored by the pre-signalprocessing circuit that determines what system configuration is mostbeneficial based upon readily available information. When the turbine(prime-mover) reaches adequate momentum the pre-signal processingcircuit will engage the first stage. Each stage is monitored andadditional stages are added, or removed, by the control system dependingon availability of the energy source and the current operating conditionof existing engaged stages.

Another major challenge for electrical engineers is how to remove theneed for a conventional gearbox. Many existing generators operate bestat high speed and require step-up gearboxes. These gearboxes areexpensive, subject to vibration, noise and fatigue, and require ongoingmaintenance and lubrication. The negative impact of gearboxes isconsiderable. Perhaps more significantly, gearboxes allow the generatorto function at low wind speeds but when wind speeds are low the systemcan least afford to waste precious wind energy.

The benefits of a direct-coupled gearbox are significant. Manyconventional systems have gearbox losses up to 5% of total output. Inaddition the gearbox represents a costly and high maintenance componentoften weighing as much as the generator component. The gearbox is a weaklink in the generator system that adds unwanted weight, cost, andreduces overall efficiency of the system.

In contrast to conventional designs, the PPMCG Technology is well suitedto a ‘direct-coupled’ configuration that forgoes the gearbox and theattendant losses that impede performance. The PPMCG does not functionthrough mechanical gearing but by applying resistance to the rotor tomaintain appropriate speeds, effectively acting as its own gearbox. Therequired resistance at the rotor will be determined by the systemelectronics and will be created by engaging the appropriate number ofcomplete generator stages. In essence, the rotor speed is controlled (upto a predetermined threshold) by the resistance created through theprocess of creating electrical power, unlike a mechanical system thatsheds valuable energy to control the rotor rotation.

The PPMCG technology's multi-pole stator field will allow slow speedoperation such that the system could function effectively without aconventional gearbox that impedes overall system performance. With eachrotation of the rotor each coil is induced 18 times (assuming 18 coilsper stator). Therefore regardless of if there were I coil or 100 coilson the stator, each coil would still produce electricity at the samefrequency as all other coils on the same stator. As each new coil isadded then, a consistent output signal is created for all coils on eachstator. As the three stator arrays are offset appropriately (i.e. by 120degrees), the mechanical configuration determines that the output signalis a synchronous 3 phase signal.

In recent years, a number of alternative concepts have been proposedthat remove the need for gearboxes and ‘direct-couple’ the turbine withthe generator rotor. The challenge for these systems is that thegenerator still requires a constant and predictable prime mover tofunction efficiently. These direct-coupled generators are thuscompromised due to inadequate compensation methods for controllinggenerator speeds. The output of an induction generator can be controlledby varying the current flow through the rotor coils. Inductiongenerators produce power by exciting the rotor coils with a portion ofthe output power. By varying the current through the rotor coils theoutput of the generator can be controlled. This control method is called‘doubly fed’ and allows the operation of induction generators asasynchronous variable speed machines. While offering some benefits overconstant speed systems, this type of generator is expensive and incursconsiderable losses in the process of conditioning the output.

A major limitation of existing “variable speed” generators is theadditional cost and complication of power electronics. Power electronicsare required to condition the output so that it is compatible with thegrid and to ensure that the generator is operating at its peakefficiency. These variable speed generators work by rectifying thevariable AC output of the generator to DC and then inverting it back togrid synchronized AC. This method requires the use of high power silicon(expensive) and losses are incurred in the processes of transforming andinverting the output current (i.e. AC to DC to AC).

The PPMCG technology shifts with the input source, capturing more energyat a wider range and reducing the need for mechanical interference andthe wasted energy that results. Adding, or dropping, stages as inputenergy and load varies, the self-adapting unit reduces need for complex,expensive gearboxes and power controls.

Yet another challenge with existing systems is the fault controlsystems. For exiting systems the total output of the system must bemanaged by the power electronics at all times and when a fault occurs,the fault current is very problematic due to the limited overloadingcapability of the power electronic converter. For conventional systems,when a fault occurs, the system must be shut down immediately orconsiderable damage can occur to the generator.

A fault is defined here as a short circuit. When a short circuit occurs,the output current of synchronous generators increases substantially,because the impedance is reduced. The large current can damage equipmentand should therefore be reduced as soon as possible by removing thefaulted component from the system, thus cancelling the low impedancecurrent path. However, the large current is also a clear indicator thata short circuit exists. Thus, on the one hand, the fault current isundesirable because it can lead to equipment damage while on the otherhand it is an essential indicator to distinguish between faulted andnormal situations.

PPMCG employs a unique and beneficial fault control mechanism. When aninternal failure occurs in a PM generator, the failed winding willcontinue to draw energy until the generator is stopped. For high-speedgenerators, this may represent a long enough duration to incur furtherdamage to electrical and mechanical components. It could also mean asafety hazard for individuals working in the vicinity. The inductiongenerator, on the other hand, is safely shut down by de-excitationwithin a few milliseconds preventing hazardous situations and potentialdamage to the unit. In either scenario, the system must be completelyshut down until it can be repaired causing unwanted downtime atpotentially very inopportune times when power is needed most.

With the PPMCG Technology, dividing the output current into smallermanageable sections significantly reduces the negative impact of faultsin the stator windings. Since far less current is created by the singlethree-coil sub-system or staged element, system faults are localized.While they still must be managed, damage can be avoided and safetyissues reduced. One of the advantages of the proposed “pre-processing”circuitry is the ability to simply avoid utilizing the current from afaulty coil, while allowing the remainder of the coils to continuefunctioning (in fact, three coils will need to be shut down if there isa fault in a three phase system).

Another challenge for many existing systems is that they are not capableof creating a raw signal that doesn't require significant manipulationto the sine-wave form in order to match the required output frequencyfor grid integration. For many conventional systems “shaping” of thefield core poles is simply not an available option and therefore thereis no other choice but to condition the power so it is in alignment withthe desired waveform.

In contrast, the PPMCG system will create the correct sinusoidal sinewave as a raw signal directly from the field coils. The sine wavecreated by the system can be manipulated through a unique designattribute that allows, through internal geometry, shaping of thewaveform created by the generator. This is of particular relevance asthe sine wave for most conventional systems required considerableconditioning in order for it to be adequately synched with grid systems.These systems must typically function as less desirable “asynchronous”machines.

Another unique and advantageous element of PPMCG is that the mass of thebalanced stages of the armature disks rotate and serve to function as aflywheel. This stabilizes sudden and undesirable changes in rotationalspeed and smoothes out the operation of the system.

In addition to having a positive impact on renewable energy systems thatutilize variant energy sources to function, the disclosed generator willalso prove to offer significant value to conventional non-renewablesystems. For example, many conventional systems having one state ofefficient operation will utilize far more fuel than is required to meetthe power needs of the consumer. With the disclosed generator system,the generator will re-configure itself so as to be the right sizedgenerator to meet only the current needs of the consumer thus preservingfuel as power requirements are lower than the rated speed for aconventional system.

In summary, the polyphasic multi-coil generator includes a driveshaft,at least first, second, and third rotors rigidly mounted on thedriveshaft so as to simultaneously synchronously rotate with rotation ofthe driveshaft, and at least one stator sandwiched between the first andsecond rotors. The stator has an aperture through which the driveshaftis rotatably journalled. A stator array on the stator has acircumferentially spaced-apart array of electrically conductive coilsmounted to the stator in a first angular orientation about thedriveshaft. The stator array is circumferentially spaced apart about thedriveshaft and may, without intending to be limiting be equallycircumferentially spaced apart. The rotors and the stator lie insubstantially parallel planes. The first, second, and third rotors have,respectively, first, second, and third rotor arrays. The first rotorarray has a first circumferentially spaced apart array of magnetscircumferentially spaced around the driveshaft at a first angularorientation relative to the driveshaft. The second rotor array has asecond equally spaced apart array of magnets at a second angularorientation relative to the driveshaft. The third rotor array has athird equally spaced apart array of magnets at a third angularorientation relative to the driveshaft. Without intending to belimiting, the rotor arrays may be equally circumferentially spacedapart. The first and second angular orientations are off-set by anangular offset so that the first and second rotor arrays are offsetrelative to one another. The circumferentially spaced apart stator androtor arrays may be constructed without the symmetry of their beingequally circumferentially spaced apart and still function.

The angular offset is such that, as the driveshaft and the rotors arerotated in a direction of rotation of the rotors so as to rotaterelative to the stator, an attractive magnetic force of the magnets ofthe first rotor array attracts the magnets of the first rotor arraytowards corresponding next adjacent coils in the stator array which liein the direction of rotation of the rotors so as to substantiallybalance with and provide a withdrawing force applied to the magnets ofthe second rotor array to draw the magnets of the second rotor arrayaway from corresponding past adjacent coils in the stator array as themagnets of the second rotor array are withdrawn in the direction ofrotation of the rotors away from the past adjacent coils. Similarly, asthe driveshaft and the rotors are rotated in the direction of rotationof the rotors, an attractive magnetic force of the magnets of the secondrotor array attracts the magnets of the second rotor array towardscorresponding next adjacent coils in the stator array which lie in thedirection of rotation of the rotors so as to substantially balance withand provide a withdrawing force applied to the magnets of the firstrotor array to draw the magnets of the first rotor array away fromcorresponding past adjacent coils in the stator array as the magnets ofthe first rotor array are withdrawn in the direction of rotation of therotors away from the past adjacent coils. The third rotor provides afurther enhancement of the above effects.

In one embodiment, a further stator is mounted on the driveshaft, sothat the driveshaft is rotatably journalled through a driveshaftaperture in the further stator. A further stator array is mounted on thefurther stator. The further stator array has an angular orientationabout the driveshaft which, while not intending to be limiting, may besubstantially the same angular orientation as the first angularorientation of the stator array of the first stator. A third rotor ismounted on the driveshaft so as to simultaneously synchronously rotatewith rotation of the first and second rotors. A third rotor array ismounted on the third rotor. The third rotor array has a third equallyradially spaced apart array of magnets radially spaced around thedriveshaft at a third angular orientation relative to the driveshaft.The third angular orientation is angularly offset for example, by theangular offset of the first and second rotor arrays so that the thirdrotor array is offset relative to the second rotor array by the sameangular offset as between the first and second rotor arrays. The furtherstator and the third rotor lay in planes substantially parallel to thesubstantially parallel planes the first stator and the first and secondrotors. Advantageously the third rotor array is both offset by the sameangular offset as between the first and second rotor arrays from thesecond rotor array and by twice the angular offset as between the firstand second rotor arrays, that is, their angular offset multiplied bytwo, from the first rotor array. Thus the first, second and third rotorarrays are sequentially angularly staggered about the driveshaft.

The sequentially angularly staggered first, second and third rotors, thefirst stator and the further stators may be referred to as togetherforming a first generator stage. A plurality of such stages, that is,substantially the same as the first generator stage, may be mounted onthe driveshaft. Further stages may or may not be aligned with the firststage depending upon the desired application.

The magnets in the rotor arrays may be pairs of magnets, each pair ofmagnets may advantageously be arranged with one magnet of the pairradially inner relative to the driveshaft and the other magnet of thepair radially outer relative to the driveshaft. This arrangement of themagnets, and depending on the relative position of the correspondingcoils on the corresponding stator, provides either radial flux rotors oraxial flux rotors. For example, each pair of magnets may be alignedalong a common radial axis, that is, one common axis for each pair ofmagnets, where each radial axis extends radially outwardly of thedriveshaft, and each coil in the stator array may be aligned so that theeach coil is wrapped substantially symmetrically around correspondingradial axes. Thus, advantageously, the magnetic flux of the pair ofmagnets is orthogonally end-coupled, that is, coupled at ninety degreesto the corresponding coil as each pair of magnets are rotated past thecorresponding coil. The use of coupled inner and outer magnets on therotor array greatly increases the magnetic field density and thusincreases the power output from each coil.

In one embodiment not intended to be limiting, the first rotor array isat least in part co-planar with the corresponding stator array as thefirst rotor array is rotated past the stator array, and the second rotorarray is at least in part co-planar with the corresponding stator arrayas the second rotor is rotated past the stator array. The third rotorarray is at least in part co-planar with the corresponding stator arrayas the third rotor is rotated past the stator array.

The rotors may include rotor plates wherein the rotor arrays are mountedto the rotor plates, and wherein the rotor plates are mountedorthogonally onto the driveshaft. The stators may include stator platesand the stator arrays are mounted to the stator plates, and wherein thestator plates are orthogonal to the driveshaft.

The rotors may be mounted on the driveshaft by mounting means which mayinclude clutches mounted between each of the first and second rotors andthe driveshaft. In such an embodiment, the driveshaft includes means forselectively engaging each clutch in sequence along the driveshaft byselective longitudinal translation of the driveshaft by selectivetranslation means. The clutches may be centrifugal clutches adapted formating engagement with the driveshaft when the driveshaft islongitudinally translated by the selective translation means into afirst position for mating engagement with, firstly, a first clutch forexample, although not necessarily, on the first rotor and, secondlysequentially into a second position for mating engagement with also asecond clutch for example on the second rotor and so on to sequentiallyadd load to the driveshaft, for example during start-up. Thus in a threerotor stage, some or all of the rotors may have clutches between therotors and the driveshaft. As described above, the stages may berepeated along the driveshaft.

In an alternative embodiment, the mounting means may be a rigid mountingmounted between the third rotor, each of the first and second rotors andthe driveshaft. Instead of the use of clutches, the electrical windingson the rotor arrays in successive stages may be selectively electricallyenergized, that is, between open and closed circuits for selectivewindings wherein rotational resistance for rotating the driveshaft isreduced when the circuits are open and increased when the circuits areclosed. Staging of the closing of the circuits for successive statorarrays, that is, in successive stages, provides for the selectivegradual loading of the generator. By the use of control electronics,which activate and deactivate individual coils, the output of thegenerator can be varied from zero to the nominal power rating. Thus thegenerator can produce a variable power output at a fixed frequency. Thecontrol electronics could also be used to vary the voltage of thegenerator output. By connecting coils in series or parallel the voltagecan be varied instantaneously.

There are numerous other unique and novel attributes to the disclosedinvention that offer desirable advantages over prior art. Some of theseinclude closed flux path magnetics, hybrid magnetics, pre-processingelectronics, mechanical sine wave control, and a unique fault controlsystem.

When additional stages are added electrically, increased mechanicalresistance will slow the rotation of the rotor as a result of the effectof adding load and the additional resistance it creates. This processwill control current flow while creating additional energy withavailable kinetic energy that might otherwise be wasted. When either theinput source or the demand for energy is low, only one or two stages ofthe system stages may be engaged. This allows the Variable Input systemto operate when conventional systems would be shut down due toinsufficient prime-mover energy or excessive resistance created by“oversized” generator systems. Unlike conventional systems, the PPMCGoutput can be modified to accommodate constantly changing source energy“or” constantly changing energy consumption. For example, when energydemand is low at night, the PPMCG system will simply disengageun-necessary stages. This will be particularly advantageous to Hydrosystems that are challenged to adapt to changing energy demands.

The PPMCG system varies stage engagement as required for optimal output.The current PPMCG design divides the generator into 18 distinct 3 coil(three phase) stages bundled together in a single generator. The threecoils, one from each of the three stators in a three stator system, maybe connected to each other in series or parallel depending upon thedesired application. The PPMCG's unique staged internal configurationand pre-processing electronics will allow the system to serve as its ownelectronic gearbox (with 18 stages for example) offering greater controlover the induction process and thus offering a better quality poweroutput. As part of the power electronics, a PWM (pulse wave modulator)can be used to ensure a smooth transition from one staging configurationto the next.

The generator sections are monitored by the “Pre-Signal” Processingcircuit, which allows the device to harmonize output voltage and systemresistance with grid requirements, simultaneously through adding andremoving independent generator stages.

With the PPMCG, the current from each stage of the system is monitoredby a pre-signal processing circuit that determines what systemconfiguration is most beneficial based upon readily availableinformation. When the turbine (prime-mover) reaches adequate momentumthe pre-signal processing circuit will engage the first stage. Eachstage is monitored and additional stages are added, or removed, by thecontrol system depending on availability of the energy source and thecurrent operating condition of existing engaged stages. The result ofthis process is greater overall energy output due to capturing more ofthe potential energy of the wind or other transient energy source.

The PPMCG utilizes a completely closed magnetic field path. Thedisclosed generator system is divided into pairs of magnets arranged ina shape that is similar to two opposing horseshoes with two coil coresin the middle to complete the circuit thus directly inducing magneticflux into either end of an isolated electromagnet with a North-Polefield orientation on one end, and a South-Pole field orientation on theother. This salient-pole-to-salient-pole configuration createsopportunities for increased electrical current due to a more directinduction process where flux is allowed to move freely though the coilcores and in a completed magnetic field path. The geometry of thisarrangement isolates the induction process in such a way as to increasethe field density at the induction coil poles while at the same timegreatly reducing undesired flux leakage.

This configuration of induction coils and magnets will increase thepower to weight ratio as smaller magnets can be used to create sameoutput as larger magnets in less efficient systems. This design willprove equally beneficial for induction style generators increasing fluxdensity where it is needed and reducing unwanted leakage.

Another significant benefit of this isolated induction process in thatthere is greater opportunity to utilize various advantageous materialsin the generator construction. With conventional systems, there are manyparts of the generator that must be made of specific materials. Anexample of this is the casing for many existing systems needing to be aconductive metal (i.e. ground). With the PPMCG lighter and cheapermaterials can be used and in some instances it may not be desirable tohave certain components (such as a casing) at all, thus offering areduction in overall weight and manufacturing costs.

With the PPMCG a coil is wrapped around a backing plate for twopermanent magnets. When an appropriate electric current is passedthrough the coil it acts as an amplifier of the magnetic field. Researchindicates that it is possible to increase the strength of the magneticfield by twice the sum of the individual magnetic fields (the permanentmagnet and the electromagnet). Since increasing the strength of themagnetic field increases the current generated in the coils of agenerator, this technology represents an exciting opportunity toincrease the power to output ratio for generators and motors.

A coil would just have to be wrapped around the backing plates for thepermanent magnets creating a permanent magnet augmented with anelectromagnet. Such a design could provide an even more powerful PPMCGalso providing even more control over the output of the PPMCG, since thehybrid coils could be used as a fine control of the magnetic field andthus the output of the PPMCG.

The PPMCG pre-processing algorithmic microprocessor will use asemiconductor switching system to match source with load to engage, ordisengage, electrical circuits for each of the induction coils of athree armature/three stator system. Appropriate conditioning electronics(i.e. filters) between the semiconductor switching system and the gridwill ensure seamless and trouble-free grid integration.

The system will monitor relevant conditions such as load, prime-moverstatus and the state of the current collective of engaged stages todetermine exactly when it is optimal to engage or disengage the nextgenerator stage.

With the PPMCG, the power electronics are not exposed to the collectiveand significant implications of a fault current representing the entiregenerator output due to the isolation of independent coils throughoutthe system. Dividing the output current into smaller manageable sectionswithin the PPMCG System significantly reduces the negative impact offaults in the stator windings. Far less current is created by eachthree-coil sub-system, or staged-element, and therefore negative systemfault impacts are localized and minimized. For example, if an 18 coilstator is used in a three phase system with 9 complete statorassemblies, the generator will have 18.times.3 or 54 independent 3 phasesub-stages (162 coils divided into 3 phase sub-stages). Each of whichwill be managed with a simple semiconductor switching mechanism toisolate faults. The microprocessor may be designed to assess the statusof each three-coil stage prior to engaging it, and if in fact the stageis faulted, the system will automatically skip this stage elementallowing the generator to continue operation where conventional systemswould require shut down and immediate repair. This segmenting ofgenerator sections offers many advantages in controlling the system aswell as in reducing issues with system damage and safety.

Control over the shape of the output sine wave created by the generatoris another unique opportunity that is offered by the PPMCG design.Through shaping the field coils poles the induction process can bemanipulated in such as way as to form the desired waveform as a rawoutput signal. As the magnets pass by the field coil poles, the magneticfield strength that passes through the coil cores will be relative tothe air gap between the magnetic influence and the induction coil poles.Therefore, by controlling the shaping the poles, the desired sinusoidalwaveform can be produced as the raw unprocessed output. The result ofthis design attribute is a better quality raw output signal with reducedrequirements for expensive power conditioning equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Without restricting the full scope of this invention, the preferred formof this invention is illustrated in the following drawings:

FIG. 1 a is, in partially cut away perspective view, one embodiment ofthe polyphasic multi-coil generator showing a single stator sandwichedbetween opposed facing rotors;

FIG. 1 is, in front perspective view, a further embodiment of thepolyphasic multi-coil generator according to the present inventionillustrating by way of example nine rotor and stator pairs wherein thenine pairs are grouped into three stages having three rotor and statorpairs within each stage, the radially spaced arrays of magnets on eachsuccessive rotor within a single stage staggered so as to be angularlyoffset with respect to each other;

FIG. 2 is, in front perspective exploded view, the generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the generator of FIG. 2 in rear perspective exploded view;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the generator of FIG. 1illustrating the grouping of the rotor and stator pairs into three pairsper stage;

FIG. 4 a is, in front elevation view, the generator of FIG. 1 with thefront rotor plate removed so as to show the radially spaced apart magnetand coil arrangement;

FIG. 5 is, in perspective view, the generator of FIG. 1 within ahousing;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is, in front perspective exploded view a single rotor and statorpair of the generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is the rotor and stator pair of FIG. 7 in rear perspectiveexploded view;

FIG. 9 is, in cross sectional view, an alternative embodiment of asingle rotor and stator pair illustrating the use of a centrifugalclutch between the rotor and the driveshaft;

FIG. 9 a is a cross sectional view through an exploded front perspectiveview of the rotor and stator pair of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is, in partially cut away front elevation view, an alternativeembodiment of the present invention illustrating an alternative radiallyspaced apart arrangement of rotor and stator arrays;

FIG. 11 a is in side elevation a further alternative embodiment of thegenerator according to the present invention wherein the stator coilsare parallel to the driveshaft on a single stage;

FIG. 11 b is in side elevation two stages according to the design ofFIG. 11 a;

FIG. 11 c is, in side elevation, three stages of a further alternativeembodiment wherein the stator coils are inclined relative to thedriveshaft;

FIG. 12 is, in front elevation view, an alternate embodiment of thegenerator of FIG. 1 with the front rotor plate removed so as to show anon-symmetrical arrangement of coil cores to magnets where three or morephases can be accomplished with only one stator;

FIG. 13 is, on front elevation view, one embodiment representing asingle stage comprised of two magnets and two field coils;

FIG. 14 is, in front perspective view, a single rotor of the generatorof FIG. 16;

FIG. 15 is, in front perspective view, a single stator of the generatorof FIG. 16;

FIG. 16 is, a partial cross sectional view of a front perspective of analternate embodiment of the generator if FIG. 1 utilizing double sidedrotors and stators; and

FIG. 17 is, a front perspective view of a one embodiment of a singlehybrid permanent magnet which will also act as an electromagnet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is demonstrative in nature and is not intendedto limit the scope of the invention or its application of uses.

There are a number of significant design features and improvementsincorporated within the invention.

The device is a generator polyphasic multiple coils in staged staggeredarrays.

Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety my U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/600,723 filed Aug. 12, 2004 entitledPolyphasic Stationary Multi-Coil Generator. Where any inconsistencyexists between these documents and this specification, for example inthe definition of terms, this specification is to govern.

In FIG. 1 a, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding partsin each view, a single stage 10 of the polyphasic multi-coil generatoraccording to the present invention includes a pair of rotors 12 and 14lying in parallel planes and sandwiching there between so as to beinterleaved in a plane parallel and lying between the planes of therotors, a stator 16. Rotors 12 and 14 are rigidly mounted to adriveshaft 18 so that when driveshaft 18 is rotated by a prime mover(not shown) for example in direction A, rotors 12 and 14 rotatesimultaneously at the same rate about axis of rotation B. Feet 32 areprovided to mount stator 16 down onto a base or floor surface. Rotors 12and 14 each have a central hub 19 and mounted thereon extending in anequally radially spaced apart array around driveshaft 18 are pairs ofmagnets 22 a and 22 b. Although only one pair of magnets, that is, onlytwo separate magnets are illustrated, with a keeper shown between toincrease flux, a single magnet with the polarities of either endinducing the coils may be used with substantially equal results. Eachpair of magnets is mounted on a corresponding rigid arm 24 extendedcantilevered radially outwardly from hub 19. Each pair of magnets 22 aand 22 b are spaced apart along the length of their corresponding arm 24so as to define a passage or channel 26 between the pair of magnets.

Electrically conductive wire coils 28 are wrapped around iron-ferrite(or other favorable magnetically permeable material) cores 30. Cores 30and coils 28 are mounted so as to protrude from both sides 16 a and 16 bof stator 16. Coils 28 are sized so as to pass snugly between the distalends 22 a and 22 b of magnets 22, that is, through channel 26 so as toend couple the magnetic flux of the magnets with the ends of the coils.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 a, again which is not intendedto be limiting, eight coils 28 and corresponding cores 30 are mountedequally radially spaced apart around stator 16, so that an equal numberof coils and cores extend from the opposite sides of stator 16 alignedso that each coil and core portion on side 16 a has a corresponding coiland core immediately behind it on the opposite side of stator 16, thatis, on side 16 b. It is to be understood that although this embodimentemploys an eight coil array, however, any number of coils withcorresponding magnet assemblies may by employed. For example, in oneembodiment, this design uses sixteen coils and two sets of armatures(that is rotors) with twelve sets of magnets each. This embodiment isnot intended to suggest that a single stage may be employed. Any numberof stages may be utilized on the same driveshaft.

Rotor 14 is a mirror image of rotor 12. Rotors 12 and 14 are mounted inopposed facing relation on opposite sides of stator 16. The angularorientation of rotors 12 and 14 about driveshaft 18 differs between thetwo rotors. That is, the magnets 22 on rotor 14 are angularly offsetabout axis of rotation B relative to the magnets mounted on rotor 12.For example, each of the pairs of magnets on rotor 14 may be angularlyoffset by, for example, and offset angle .alpha. (better defined below)of five degrees or ten degrees or fifteen degrees relative to theangular orientation of the pairs of magnets on rotor 12. Thus, as rotors12 and 14 are simultaneously being driven by rotation of shaft 18, as amagnet 22 on rotor 12 is being magnetically attracted towards a nextadjacent core 30 portion on side 16 a of the stator, the attractiveforce is assisting in pushing or drawing the corresponding magnet onrotor 14 past and away from the corresponding core portion on side 16 bof stator 16. Thus the attractive force of incoming magnets (incomingrelative to the coil) on one rotor substantially balances the forcerequired to push the corresponding magnets on the other rotor away fromthe coil/core. Consequently, any one magnet on either of the rotors isnot rotated past a core merely by the force of the rotation applied todriveshaft 18, and the amount of force required to rotate the rotorsrelative to the stator is reduced. The efficiency of the generator isthus increased by the angular offsetting of the magnet pairs on oppositesides of the stator acting to balance or effectively cancel out theeffects of the drawing of the magnets past the cores.

Further stages may be mounted onto driveshaft 18 for example furtheropposed facing pairs of rotors 12 and 14 having a stator 16 interleavedthere between. In such an embodiment, further efficiency of thegenerator may be obtained by progressive angular offsetting of themagnets so as to angularly stagger each successive rotors' array ofmagnets relative to the angular orientation of the magnets on adjacentrotors. Thus, with sufficient number of stages, the magnetic forces maybe relatively seamlessly balanced so that at any point during rotationof driveshaft 18, the attractive force of the magnet approaching thenext adjacent cores in the direction of rotation balances the forcerequired to push or draw the magnet pairs on other rotors away from thatcore thus reducing the force required to rotate driveshaft 18.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, againwherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts ineach view. In the illustrated embodiment nine banks of rotors 34 eachhave radially spaced apart arrays of magnet pairs 36 a and 36 b whereinthe arrays are angularly displaced or staggered relative to adjacentarrays on adjacent rotors. Thus each magnet pair 36 a and 36 b in theequally radially spaced array of magnet pairs 36 a and 36 b, radiallyspaced about axis of rotation B are angularly offset by the same offsetangle .alpha., for example, five degrees, ten degrees or fifteendegrees, between adjacent rotors. Thus the successive banks of rotorsare cumulatively staggered by the same angular displacement between eachsuccessive rotor so as to achieve a more seamlessly magneticallybalanced rotation of the rotors relative to the stators 38 and inparticular relative to the coils 40 and cores 42 mounted on stators 38.

Magnets 36 a and 36 b are mounted onto a carrier plate 44. The carrierplate 44 for each rotor 34 is rigidly mounted onto driveshaft 18. Coils40 and their corresponding cores 42 are mounted onto a stator plate 48.Stator plate 48 is rigidly mounted to housing 56, which itself may bemounted down onto a base or floor by means of rigid supports (notshown).

In one alternative embodiment not intending to be limiting, a smallmotor 54, which is in addition to the prime mover (not shown), may beemployed to engage additional stages or banks having furtherprogressively angularly displaced or staggered stages or banks of magnetpairs in radially spaced array on successive rotors. For example motor54 may selectively drive a shifter rod so as to sequentially engagecentrifugal clutch mechanisms on each rotor as described below.

A housing 56 may be provided to enclose stators 38 and the armatures orrotors 34. Housing 56 may be mounted on a supporting frame (not shown),and both may be made of non-magnetic and non-conductive materials toeliminate eddy currents. In one embodiment of the invention, notintended to be limiting, a single stage 58 of the generator includesthree stators 38 interleaved with three rotors 34. The generator mayinclude multiple stages 58 along the driveshaft to reduce the magneticdrag by offsetting any resistances created within the generator.

Stators 38 may include a plurality of induction coils 40 made ofelectrically conducting materials, such as copper wire. Each inductioncoil 40 may be wrapped around a highly ferromagnetic core such as a softiron core 42. Alternatively, induction coils 40 may be air coils (thatis, not wrapped around any core) for applications where less outputcurrent is required or where less mechanical force is available to beapplied to rotors 38. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,the stators are disk shaped. The embodiment of FIG. 1 a includes eightinduction coils 28 mounted equidistant and equally radially spaced apartfrom each other on a plate or disk made of non-magnetic andnon-conductive materials. In the embodiment of the remaining figures,stators 38 include sixteen induction coils 40 on each stator disk orplate 48. The number of induction coils 40 may vary depending on theapplication of the generator, and may be only limited by the physicalspace available on the stator plate.

The induction coils 40 may be configured such that a first set ofinduction coils 40 produce a first independent phase signal and a secondset of induction coils 40 produce a second independent phase signal withopposing wave signals. The induction coils 40 are alternately orientatedsuch that an induction coil 40 producing the first independent phasesignal is positioned in between induction coils 40 producing the secondindependent phase signal. In such dual phase design, the two independentphases are exact reciprocals of each other wherein one independent phasemay be inverted to combine the potential current of the two into onephase with a synchronous wave pattern. Preferably, each of the first setand second set of induction coils 40 have an equal number of inductioncoils 40 wrapped around their cores 42 in a first direction and an equalnumber of induction coils 40 wrapped around their cores 42 in anopposite second direction to align the currents of the two phases. Forexample, in the embodiment wherein the stators 38 include sixteen, thatis, two sets of eight induction coils 40 (alternate phases), each of thefirst set of eight induction coils 40 will produce a first independentphase signal and the second set of eight induction coils 40 will producea second independent phase signal.

Rotors 34 may have magnets 36 of any magnetic materials such asneodymium magnets. Rotors 34 each include an array of equally spacedapart pairs of magnets 36 a and 36 b which are mounted on rotor platesmade of non-magnetic and non-conductive materials so as to discouragestraying flux lines or eddy currents. In the embodiment having sixteeninduction coils 40 on each stator, the rotor array of magnets (the“rotor array”) includes eight “U”-shaped opposed facing pairs of magnets36 on each rotor 34. Each end of each “U”-shaped magnet 36, sixteen endsin all on the radially outer ring and sixteen on the inner ring, arepaired to the corresponding sixteen coils as the ends of the magnets arerotated closely past the opposite ends of the coils.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 the rotor arrays betweensuccessive rotors 34 in stage 58 are angularly offset about the axis ofrotation B of the driveshaft by an offset angle .alpha. of for examplefifteen degrees. It is understood that an offset of fifteen degrees ismerely one preferred offset, but it may be any number of degrees ofoffset. Offset angle .alpha. is seen best in FIG. 4 a as the anglebetween the radial axes 60 and 60′ of magnets 36 a and 36 a′ ofsuccessive rotors 34.

As the rotors are driven to rotate about the driveshaft by an outsidemotive force, such as for example wind or water or other prime movers,the magnets 36 travel towards induction coils 40 by attraction of themagnets to the cores 42. AC pulse is created in all the induction coilson the stators as the induction coils are designed to draw the magneticflux from the magnets 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 a, which isillustrative, the opposing polarity of the magnets between each rotorand the angularly offset alignment of the rotor array relative to eachother permits the magnets to be drawn away from one core and towards thenext core. For example, the north, south (N,S) polarity configuration ofthe magnets on the first rotor 12 is drawn by the opposing south, north(S,N) polarity configuration of the magnets on is the second rotor 14,where the first rotor array is offset by fifteen degrees relative to thesecond rotor array such that the magnetic attraction between the magnetson the first rotor and the magnets on the second rotor draws the magnetsaway from the core. The balancing of magnetic forces between magnets onthe rotors reduces the work required from the driveshaft to draw magnetsoff the induction coils, thereby increasing the efficiency of thegenerator.

The rotating magnetic fields created by the configuration of the magnetswith alternating magnetic orientation between rotors and the alternatingmulti phase configuration of the induction coils create multiplereciprocal AC phase signals. As the induction coils are stationary, ACpower may be harnessed directly from the induction coils withoutbrushes. The regulation and attenuation of these currents may beachieved by methods known in the art. As the magnets pass the inductioncoils, they induce a current that alternates in direction. Magnets maybe configured such that for example an equal number of magnets influencethe first set of induction coils by a N,S magnetic polarity as thenumber of magnets influencing the second set of induction coils by a S,Nmagnetic polarity. The configuration of the rotors create an alternatingcurrent in each of the two phases of the single stage embodiment of FIG.1 a. The configuration of magnetic forces allow for a balancing of theresistances within the generator.

In an alternative embodiment, such as seen in FIGS. 1-9, there is asignificant advantage to the addition of multiple stages on thedriveshaft. The work required to rotate the driveshaft may be evenfurther reduced through the addition of multiple stages 58. Thealignment of the multiple stages may be offset such that additionalstages further reduces resistance in the generator by accomplishing evengreater balancing of forces than can be done with a single stage design.Alignment of stator arrays of coils (“stator arrays”) may be offset oralternatively, the alignment of the rotor arrays may be offset to reduceresistance. Consequently, adding additional stages may increaseelectrical output without proportionally increasing resistance withinthe generator. While additional induction coils will increase magneticdrag, the greater balancing of forces achieved by the orientation of thestator arrays and rotor arrays of the additional stages offsets theincrease in drag and further increases the overall efficiency of thegenerator. Additional stages may be engaged so as to rotate theadditional rotors by any number of mechanisms, such as current drivensensors that use solenoids, or clutches such as the centrifugal drivenclutch mechanisms of FIGS. 7-9, 9 a which may be used to engage the nextstage when the rotor of a subsequent stage achieves a predeterminedspeed. An example of a clutch is illustrated. Clutch 62 is mountedwithin the hub of each of rotors 34. Rotation of a clutch arm 64, oncethe clutch is engaged by the splines on the splined portion 18 b ofdriveshaft 18 engaging matching splines within the arm hub 66, drivesthe arm against stops 68. This drives the clutch shoes 70 radiallyoutwardly so as to engage the periphery of the shoes against theinterior surface of the rotor carrier plate hub 44 a. A linear actuator,for example such as motor 54, actuates shifter rod 72 in direction D soas to engage splined portion 18 b with firstly, the splines within thearm hub 66. Then, once the clutch engages and the rotor comes up tonearly match the rotational speed of the driveshaft, the splined portionis further translated so as to engage the splines 74 a within the rotorhub 74. Subsequent rotor/stator pairs or subsequent stages, such asstages 58, may be added, by further translation of the shifter rod intothe splines of subsequent clutches and their corresponding rotor hubs.In a reversal of this process, stages are removed by withdrawing theshifter rod. Rotor hubs are supported by needle bearings 76 withinstator hub 38 a. In the further alternative, linear motor drivenmechanisms or spline and spring mechanisms may be used. FIG. 10 is afurther alternative embodiment wherein the coils are offset in aconcentric circle around the driveshaft to achieve the magneticbalancing. The coils are aligned end to end in a concentric circlearound the driveshaft in the further alternative embodiment seen inFIGS. 11 a-11 c. The induction coils 40 are mounted parallel, orslightly inclined as in FIG. 11 c, relative to the driveshaft to reducethe draw of magnetic flux from between the rotors due to the closeproximity and the strength of the magnets. A further advantage ofpositioning the induction coils parallel to the driveshaft is thatdrawing magnets directly past the end of each induction coil rather thanfrom the side may be more efficient in inducing current in the inductioncoils. A horizontal orientation of the induction coils may also permitdoubling the number of induction coils in the generator, resulting ingreater output. In the embodiment of FIG. 11 b, the two stator arrays 80and 80′ have an angular offset relative to each other that is one halfof the desired total angular offset, that is, the alignment thatprovides for optimum balance. The next successive stator array may thenhave the same angular offset as between stator arrays 80 and 80′. As inthe other embodiments the angular offset may be appropriately offset forany number of stages. This embodiment shows that the coils may be offsetwhile leaving the magnet arrays in the armatures/rotors in alignment,that is without an angular offset between successive rotor arrays, andstill accomplish the balancing effect.

As stated above, multiple stages reduce resistance as each stage isadded. For example, within a stage having three rotor/stator pairs,rather than a single induction coil being induced by the passing of twomagnets with opposing magnetic poles, such an embodiment allows twoinduction coils to effectively align between the magnetic influences ofthe rotor arrays. In addition to increasing the number of inductioncoils, the rotors arrays are much further apart, thus significantlyreducing the incidence of straying magnetic flux across the spacebetween the rotors.

To appropriately orientate additional stages for a staging application,the rotor arrays may be appropriately angularly offset as describedabove. Alternatively as seen in FIG. 11 c, the induction coils may beangled such that the rotor arrays are not perfectly aligned in parallelto each other. As induction coils 40 and their corresponding cores 42are on a slight angle, magnets (not shown) on rotors 78 on either sideof the stator arrays 80 are preferably misaligned too as the magneticinfluence from the magnets should induce each of the induction coilsfrom both ends simultaneously for optimum function. In an embodiment ofthe invention, the misalignment of rotor arrays is increasingly smaller,becoming negligible as more stages are added. As additional stages areadded, the less of an angular offset exists between the subsequent rotorarrays with the stages. Any number on of stages may be added to thedriveshaft and additional stages may be aligned or misaligned with otherstages within the generator, depending on the desired function.

The optimum number of stages may be determined by the degrees of offsetof each stage relative to the previous stage. The number of inductioncoils in the stator arrays need not depend on the corresponding numberof magnets in the rotor arrays. The stator arrays may include any numberof induction coils and they may or may not be symmetrical in theirplacement about the stators.

There are many applications for a generator according to the presentinvention. For example, rather than having a wind turbine that requiressignificant energy to start rotating driveshaft 18 and which may beoverloaded when too much wind is applied, the generator may bereconfigured allow the maximum current to be produced regardless of howmuch wind is driving the generator. This may be accomplished by engaginga greater number of stages, such as stages 58 for example as the windincreases and decreasing the engagement of stages to reducing the numberof engaged stages when the wind decreases. Furthermore, the first stageof the generator may include air coils such that very little wind energyis required to start rotating the driveshaft, and subsequent stages mayinclude induction coils having iron cores such that greater currents maybe generated when there is greater wind energy. Further, additionalstages may increase is size and diameter so as to create greaterphysical resistance when greater wind energy is present but as well tocreate more electrical output from the system when input energy is high.When wind energy is minimal, the generator may thus still allow forrotor 30 to rotate as it will engage only one, that is the first stageof the generator. As the wind energy increases, the generator may engageadditional stages, thus increasing the output current. As wind energycontinues to increase, more stages may be added or engaged to allow forthe maximum current to be drawn off the generator. As wind energydecreases in intensity, the generator may disengage the additionalstages and thus reduce mechanical resistance, allowing the blades of thewind turbine or other wind driven mechanism to continue to turnregardless of how much wind is present above a low threshold. Thisgenerator configuration allows for maximized energy collection.

Applications for such a variable load generator are numerous as thegenerator is not only able to adapt to variable source energies, such aswind, but can be adapted to service specific power needs when sourceenergy can be controlled. One example would be a hydro powered generatorthat rather than turning off at night, and needing to warm up again toservice greater power needs in the day, may simply vary its output tosuit the night cycle and thus use less source energy to function duringthat time.

In an alternative design, all of the rotors in all of the stages arerigidly mounted to the driveshaft, so that all of the rotors arerotating simultaneously. Instead of clutches, the windings circuits areleft open on, at least initially, many or most of the stages to reduceturning resistance, and only those windings on the stages to be engagedare closed, that is energized. This allows for reduced resistance on thedriveshaft overall when a lesser number of stages are electricallyengaged. As additional circuits are closed and more windings thus addedto the system, this will result in increasing the load of the generatorand thus it will increase resistance on the driveshaft. By not requiringclutching mechanisms, the generator may be less expensive to constructand maintain as there are no maintenance issues regarding any clutchmechanisms. This “electrical” staging system may be applied to themagnetically balanced generator design according to the presentinvention or any other conventional design applicable for the stagingapplication.

It should also be noted that the staging application, mechanical withclutches, or electrical by engaging and disengaging coil array circuitrymay be applied to existing generator designs that are appropriatelyconstructed into short, stout sections so as to accommodate the stagingapplication.

One embodiment would have a circuit designed to assess the relevantinformation about the device such as load information in order todetermine and employ the optimal number of stages of a multi-sagegenerator apparatus. The device could have a circuit designed to assessthe relevant prime-mover information in order to determine and employthe optimal number of stages of the generator apparatus, or a circuitdesigned to assess the relevant prime-mover and load information inorder to determine and employ the optimal number of stages of thegenerator or a circuit wherein each stage is monitored and when deemedappropriate, additional stages are added, or removed, by the controlsystem, and where the engagement or disengagement of these multiplestages is determined by the availability of the energy source and/or thecurrent operating condition of existing generator stages or independentcoils as part of a stage.

The generator device can also have an apparatus comprising analgorithmic microprocessor connected to a high speed semiconductorswitching system designed to match source with load through theengaging, or disengaging, electrical circuits. It can utilizing a pulsewave modulator or similar device in order to offer fine control insmoothing out the transition of generator stages as they are added orremoved electrically from the system. The above apparatus incorporatingappropriate conditioning electronics, such as filters, between thesemiconductor switching system and the grid to ensure the signal isappropriate for grid integration.

The generator will have a system whereas the electronics of the systemare capable of checking the integrity of individual coils or series ofcoils, that represent a single stage, prior to engagement of the stagebeing accomplished through the creation of a fault current by the systemthat checks to ensure the integrity of each stage prior to itsengagement. The system can have processing circuitry that where as afault occurs in a coil winding, it is treated as an isolated fault bythe processing circuitry. The generator through various fault detectionmeans and whereas said fault occurrence is isolated by the system andavoided by the system through leaving its circuit open and thus out ofthe collective output signal.

FIG. 12 is, in front elevation view, an alternate embodiment of thegenerator of FIG. 1 with the front rotor plate removed so as to show anon-symmetrical arrangement of coil cores to magnets where three or morephases can be accomplished with only one stator. Unlike FIG. 4 a thathas a symmetrical spacing of magnets and field coils, this illustrationshows that a variety of different sized coil cores 42 can be utilizedand as well, the coil winding can be modified to accomplish differentresults with the induction process. It can be seen in this illustrationthat coil windings 40 are larger than coil winding 40 a. It may bedesirable to create less resistance to the rotation of the shaft incertain circumstances, and with select stages, such as during thegenerator's start up so as to reduce resistance. As well, theillustration of FIG. 12 shows that a full three phase system, orvirtually any number of phases, can be accomplished with just one statorand armature assembly. This can be seen as there are three differentmechanical positions with respect to magnets and induction coils andthat in this illustration, they are appropriately offset from each otherthus they will create the desired three phase output appropriate formost grid systems.

In a stator and armature assembly a stage can represent a single coil ora multitude of coils as is determined by the desired output. The coilsmay be connected in parallel or series thus creating as many phases inthe output signal as is desired. The staging may be accomplished withthe coils of a single disk being of equidistant spacing in a radiallyspaced array, or, an apparatus where stages may be unsymmetrical inspacing as is seen in FIG. 12.

Through the use of an unsymmetrical array, more than one phase may becreated from a single stator and armature assembly. A system wherevarious sizes of salient-pole induction coils as seen if FIG. 12 may beemployed to create the desirable system performance. The generator canhave a configuration of three stator arrays divided into numerousindividual induction coils and where each stator array is offsetmechanically in such a way as to create a three phase output signal.Also at least one coil from each of the three stator arrays can beconnected together either in series or in parallel so as to create amultitude of smaller independent induction stages each having a completethree phase sine-wave as appropriate for grid integration, and, whereeach of these stages creates the same output characteristics as allother stages as a result of identical mechanical geometry with respectto the relationship of magnetic influences to induction coils.

The generator can also have a configuration magnets and coils on asingle disk offset in such as way as to create a balanced multiphaseoutput, and where the stator may have more than one size of inductioncoil, or induction coil cores, being employed in one or more stagesoffering increased control over resistance and output such as is seen inFIG. 12

FIG. 13 is, on front elevation view, one embodiment representing asingle stage comprised of two magnets and two induction coils. Thissingle induction element, or stage, serves many unique purposes; mostsignificantly it offers an isolated induction process that increasesflux density and reduces unwanted flux leakage. The inner magnet 36 aand the outer magnet 36 b will create a strong and focussed magneticfield that will induce in a completed path from North magnetic poles toSouth magnetic poles passing through both of the induction coils 40 andtheir cores 42 in such as way as to allow an isolated path for the flux.

Additionally, FIG. 13 illustrates how the relationship between statorand armature is “salient-pole to salient-pole”. This characteristic ofthe design allows for manipulation of the physical characteristics ofeither the magnet end poles or the induction coil core end poles.Through manipulating the shape of the ends of the poles, the sine-wavewill take a different shape. If the wave form created has sharp cornersdue to the abrupt approach of the magnets to the induction coils, thenthe end of the induction cores 42 may be shaved off as is shown in theillustration by the line pointed to by number 82. Additionally, if it isdesirable to create a more gradual, smother induction process, and thusa more rounded sine-wave, a more curved shaping of the induction coilcore 42 can be utilized as is shown by the line 82 a.

The generator can be set up to mechanically manipulate the inductionprocess and thus the output signal created as the magnets pass by theinduction coils and manipulate the field strength that passes throughthe coil cores through changing the air gap between the magneticinfluence and the induction coil poles at specific regions of thesepoles. This can be as illustrated in FIG. 13 where the relationship ofmagnet poles and induction coil poles is manipulated to create thedesired output sine-wave shape and the modification of poles may be tothe magnet's poles or the induction coil's pole's, or both, and wherethe shaping of the end of the poles is allowing a more gradual, lessabrupt approach of the magnetic field thus smoothing out operation ofthe system whereby further reducing cogging torque, and creating a moresinusoidal wave-form shape as is desired for integration into most gridsystems. It can also allow the outer and or inner magnets to be adjustedso as to allow for and increased or decreased air gap so as to allow forgreater control over the flux density impacting the induction coil andthe characteristics of the induction process; particularly those thatimpact the shape of the resultant sine-wave.

FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrate the parts of yet another alternate designembodiment, focussed on reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing bothsides of the stator plate 38 and armature carrier plate 44 to hold theinduction coils and magnets in place. It can be seen that with theexception of the armature assemblies at either end of the generator,this design employs both sides of both the stator and armature to housemagnets and induction coils thus reducing manufacturing costs. As well,this design will assist in balancing out the bending force on thearmature and stator plates by offsetting the force on one side of theplate, with the force being created on the other side of the plate.

The base feet 32 of the device will secure the system to a footing andmay be manufactured as a single plate that as well holds the statorcoils securely in place. FIG. 16 illustrates a generator section with 4stator arrays having removed a cross section of the upper rightquadrant. In this design the induction coil cores 42 are mounted on thestator plates 38 and are tightly packed between the armature plates 44.Wires from each coil will pass through a hole in the stator plate 38 andmay be housed in a channel on the outer edge of the plate. Wires maycome together at the controller mounting brackets 85 that will directthe wiring into the circuit box.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hybrid magnetic device that may be employed in thegenerator. The magnet in this design may be simply two magnets at eitherpole with an appropriate ferromagnetic material serving as the housingbetween the two and thus allowing the two magnets to act as one largermagnet. This permanent magnet may be fitted with a coil in the middle soas to allow the magnet to function as well as an electromagnet. Theelectromagnet may or may not utilize a bobbin 84 to hold the wire coil83 in place. An alternate design for this hybrid magnet might beencasing only one magnet in the housing material rather than two. Thiscan be done by simply encasing a permanent magnet in the middle of thehousing material, in this illustration, underneath the wire coil 83.This hybrid magnet can act as a permanent magnet with the potential forgreater control in serving as an electromagnet as well. In addition,this magnetic arrangement is particularly advantageous in a closed fluxpath environment. Research shows that the collective flux density of thecombined magnet and electromagnet is beyond simply adding up the twoforces when applied in a closed path arrangement.

Another embodiment is where the magnetic device, as in FIG. 17,comprises two smaller magnets that are situated at either pole with aferromagnetic material between and wherein the polarities of thesemagnets are opposed; that is where one is facing outwardly North, andthe other outwardly South, and where there is an appropriateferromagnetic material serving as the housing between the two magnetsthus allowing the two magnets effectively act as one larger magnet.

The magnetic apparatus above fitted with a coil of magnet wire in themiddle, between the poles, so as to allow the magnet to function as wellas an electromagnet when a current is applied to the coil and where theelectromagnet may or may not utilize a bobbin 84 to hold the wire coil83 in place.

An alternate design for this apparatus where only one magnet is utilizedrather than two, and where this single magnet is encased in or about thehousing material such as to create a larger magnet with it's magneticinfluence, and where a coil of magnet wire is wrapped around the middlesection such as overtop of the magnet in the middle region of theferromagnetic housing material, as would be the case if a magnet whereplaced under wire coil 83 in FIG. 17.

In an additional alternative embodiment, which is a Closed Flux PathInduction, the generator has two magnets, and two field coils, in aclosed loop configuration thus allowing a completed path for magneticflux. There is a completed flux path where the magnets are in the shapeof horseshoes and where the poles of both magnets are facing towardseach other and where there are induction cores that when aligned withthe poles of the magnets, will create a closed loop pathway for fluxthrough both magnets, and both coils. There is an armature disk having amultitude of radially inner and outer magnetic influences that alongwith the stator's induction coils create a multitude of closed flux pathinduction stages within a single armature and stator assembly. Thearmature having an inner and outer magnetic assembly in anon-symmetrical fashion so as to allow for a multitude of phases to becreated from a single armature interacting with a single stator arrayand where the desired force balancing effect is still accomplished as isdone with three armatures or stators offset to balance out forces. Inthis embodiment, the generator will have an inner and outer magnets thatmay, or may not be, of similar size and where either inner or outermagnet may be replaced with a ferromagnetic material or an electromagnetrather than utilizing a permanent magnet. The above closed flux pathapparatus utilizing electromagnets for inner or outer magnets, or bothand may utilize hybrid magnets for inner or outer magnets, or both. Anycombination of permanent magnets, electromagnets, or ferromagneticmaterials may be used to complete the flux path in this embodiment.

The generator, one embodiment, will function as its own gearbox wherethe generator that is of itself and electronic gearbox and that as welloffers a convenient and integrated electrical breaking system. Thisconfiguration will have a method of controlling the rotational speed ofthe rotor in such a way as to avoid shedding energy wherein thegenerator itself through a process of increasing or decreasing thenumber of independent coils engaged within the system allows the systemto function as an efficient gearbox system controlling the rotationalspeed of the turbine without conventional shedding techniques. Thegenerator can add resistance to the rotation of the rotor through theprocess of induction thereby slowing the rotor speed as additionalstages are engaged as well as removing resistance to the rotation of therotor through the process of electrically removing stages from thesystem. The generator can also allow for a direct-coupled (single cog)connection to the prime-mover rotor as a result of multiple stator polesand the resistance control system provided by the engagement anddisengagement of a multitude of generator stages. The generator can alsocomprise of a unique staged internal generator that is combined withpre-processing electronics so as to allow the generator to function asits own electronic gearbox thus offering a more efficient energy capturesystem.

The generator can use a flywheel effect where there are any number ofinduction coils that are employed when at the same time other inductioncoils (with open circuits) are not employed, and where the rotorcontains one or more armature plates rotating about the statorsregardless of how many stages, or coils in the system, have closedcircuits and are thus engaged, where the mass of the balanced stages ofthe armature disks rotate and serve to function as a flywheel that willstabilize the system from sudden and undesirable changes in rotationalspeed thus smoothing out the operation of the system and where saidflywheel will store kinetic energy and will offer a mechanism formoderation of the rotational speed of the turbine thus smoothing outsudden changes in source energy and load.

The generator can set up to be capable of selecting various combinationsfor coils to create various output voltages where the pins or otherelectrical contacts may be disposed around the casing in a manner thatallows the selection of various operating voltages for application whenthe apparatus is operating as either a motor or generator accomplishedby connecting adjacent terminal layers in a selected orientation withrespect to each other and where the orientation of coil contacts may beselected, such as to allow the operator to determine the resultantvoltage being created if it is acting as a generator, or the appropriateinput voltage, if it is acting as a motor (for example, the machine mayrun at 120 volts, 240 volts or 480 volts or offer an output of 120volts, 240 volts, or 480 volts).

The generator can also have a parallel-series coil arrangement. In priorart, when using permanent magnets the output voltage is directlyproportional to generator rpm. Therefore a generator designed to work atvariable speeds must overcome the varying voltage output that results.The generator dynamically controls the arrangement of the coils so thatat low speed (low voltage output) the coils are in series, thereforetheir voltages are summed to obtain the target voltage. As the speedincreases the coils are connected in two series banks, the banks areconnected in parallel. As speed increases again the coils are connectedinto four series banks and the banks are connected in parallel. Etc.Until at max operating speed (max voltage output from each coil) all thecoils are connected in parallel. At this point an individual coil willbe attaining a voltage equal to the low speed voltage of all the coilsin series.

For Example: The theoretical desired output is 1000V. The theoreticalgenerator has 10 coils. Each coil operates in a range from 100V (100rpm) to 1000V (1000 rpm) depending on generator rpm. When the generatorturns at 100 rpm all the coils are connected in series to obtain thedesired output of 1000V. As the generator rpm increases the voltage willexceed 1000V. At 200 rpm the coils are split in too two series banks(both producing 1000V), the banks are connected in parallel. (Each coilproduces 200V.times.5 coils=1000V). At 500 rpm the coils would beconnected in parallel banks of 2. (each coil produces 500V.times.2coils=1000V). At 1000 rpm all coils would be connected in parallel sinceeach coil will be producing the desired output voltage.

The generator, in the preferred embodiment, is capable of functioning asa high output variable input motor divided into independent motorstages. This motor configuration is comprised of a multitude of stageswhere some stages may function as a motor while others are leftdisengaged and inactive. When functioning as a motor with a flywheeleffect built in, all rotors may be turning at all times regardless ofhow many stages are actually engaged with closed circuits. Any number ofstages may function as a generator while any number of alternate stagesmay function as a motor thus allowing the system to modify its statefrom a motor to a generator quickly and with ease. In certainapplications it may be advisable to have some stages acting as a motorwhile other stages at the same time, act as a generator.

The generator has the benefit of the closed flux path induction processapparatus that allows for greater flexibility and choice in theselection of materials to be used in the construction of the generatorsystem. The generator can have a multitude of isolated inductionprocesses thereby allowing greater choice in the materials that can beused to create the generator system allowing lighter non metallicmaterials to be used for housings and other parts thereby reducing thesystem weight.

The unique disclosed generator offers a multi-stage power generationsystem designed to match generator resistance to source energy throughelectronically adding, or dropping, generator stages as input energy andload vary. In one embodiment, a single stage can be just one coil or forthree phase output, three coils; one from each array in a three statorarray arrangement for example. Additional benefits for the proposedgenerator systems are numerous and include reduced mechanical energyloss and a reduced requirement for conventional signal processingelectronics.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the point and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1.-69. (canceled)
 70. An electric device, comprising: a drive shaft; arotor rotatable with said drive shaft, said rotor comprising a firstarray of circumferentially spaced magnets coupled to a first side ofsaid rotor; a stator comprising circumferentially spaced electricallyconductive coils coupled to a first side of said stator, said driveshaft passing through said stator, said first side of said stator beingadjacent to said first side of said rotor; wherein said electricallyconductive coils are circumferentially spaced and arrangednon-symmetrically with respect to said circumferentially spaced magnetscoupled to said rotor.
 71. The electric device of claim 70, wherein afirst number of electrically conductive coils is coupled to the firstside of said stator and a second number of circumferentially spacedmagnets is coupled to the first side of said rotor, said first numberbeing unequal to said second number.
 72. The electric device of claim70, wherein said circumferentially spaced electrically conductive coilsare unequally circumferentially spaced on said first side of saidstator.
 73. The electric device of claim 71, wherein said second numberis not a whole number multiple of said first number.
 74. The electricdevice of claim 70, wherein at least two of said conductive coils onsaid first side of said stator are different in size from one another.75. The electric device of claim 70, wherein at least two of saidconductive coils on said first side of said stator are different indiameter from one another.
 76. The electric device of claim 70 whereinsaid device is at least a three phase device with the at least threephases being provided by a single rotor-stator pair.
 77. The electricdevice of claim 70, wherein each of said electrically conductive coilsis spaced radially with respect to said magnets and is wrapped around aradial core extending outward in a radial direction with respect to saiddrive shaft.
 78. The electric device of claim 77, wherein saidelectrically conductive coils are at least in part co-planar with saidcircumferentially spaced magnets.
 79. The electric device of claim 70,wherein at least three of the conductive coils are arrangednon-symmetrically with respect to the circumferentially spaced magnetscoupled to said rotor.
 80. The electric device of claim 79, wherein atleast four of the conductive coils are arranged non-symmetrically withrespect to the circumferentially spaced magnets coupled to said rotor.81. The electric device of claim 70 wherein at least one of said rotorand said stator is plate-shaped and includes a second side opposite saidfirst side and a circumferential edge to comprise one of: a second arrayof circumferentially spaced magnets coupled to a second side of saidrotor and circumferentially spaced electrically conductive coils coupledto a second side of said stator.
 82. The electric device of claim 70,wherein both said rotor and said stator are plate-shaped and include asecond side opposite the first side and a circumferential edge, saidrotor comprising a second array of circumferentially spaced magnetscoupled to said second side of said rotor, and said stator comprisingcircumferentially spaced electrically conductive coils coupled to saidsecond side of said stator.
 83. The electric device of claim 82, whereinsaid second array of circumferentially spaced magnets is angularlyoffset in a drive shaft rotation direction from said first array ofcircumferentially spaced magnets, and wherein a drive shaft input forceto rotate said rotor relative to said stator is reduced by magneticforces that rotate said first array of circumferentially spaced magnetstoward next electrically conductive coils on said first side of saidstator in said drive shaft rotation direction.
 84. The electric deviceof claim 71, wherein said first array of circumferentially spacedmagnets comprises pairs of magnets, each pair of magnets including onemagnet closer to said drive shaft than the other magnet.
 85. Theelectric device of claim 84, wherein each pair of magnets is alignedalong a common radial axis extending radially outwardly from said driveshaft.
 86. The electric device of claim 70, wherein said magnets in saidfirst array are single magnets, each of said single magnets comprisingone pole closer to said drive shaft than another pole.
 87. The electricdevice of claim 70, wherein said first array of circumferentially spacedmagnets is selected from the group consisting of: permanent magnets,electromagnets, hybrid magnets and combinations thereof.
 88. A generatorcomprising the electric device of claim
 70. 89. A motor comprising theelectric device of claim
 70. 90. The electric device of claim 70,comprising a plurality of said rotors and said stators interleaved withone another along said driveshaft.
 91. An electric device, comprising: adrive shaft; a plurality of plate-shaped rotors having a first side, asecond side opposite the first side, and a circumferential edge, saidrotors being rotatable with said drive shaft and each comprising a firstarray of circumferentially spaced magnets coupled to said first sidethereof, and a second array of circumferentially spaced magnets coupledto said second side thereof; and a plurality of plate-shaped statorshaving a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and acircumferential edge, said plate-shaped stators being interleavedbetween said plate-shaped rotors, said plate-shaped stators eachcomprising circumferentially spaced electrically conductive coilscoupled to said first side thereof and circumferentially spacedelectrically conductive coils coupled to said second side thereof, saiddrive shaft passing through said stators, wherein said electricallyconductive coils on said first side of at least one stator are arrangednon-symmetrically with respect to said first array of magnets coupled toan adjacent rotor, and said electrically conductive coils on said secondside of the at least one stator are arranged non-symmetrically withrespect to said second array of magnets coupled to an adjacent rotor.92. The electric device of claim 91 wherein said second array ofcircumferentially spaced magnets is angularly offset in a drive shaftrotation direction from said first array of circumferentially spacedmagnets.
 93. The electric device of claim 91, wherein a first number ofelectrically conductive coils is coupled to the first side of said atleast one stator and a second number of circumferentially spaced magnetsis coupled to the first side of an adjacent rotor, said first numberbeing unequal to said second number.
 94. The electric device of claim93, wherein said second number is not a whole number multiple of saidfirst number.
 95. The electric device of claim 91, wherein saidcircumferentially spaced magnets are unequally circumferentially spacedon both said first and second side of a rotor adjacent the at least onestator.
 96. The electric device of claim 91, wherein at least two of theconductive coils on at least the first side or the second side of atleast one of the stators are different in size.
 97. The electric deviceof claim 91, wherein at least two of the conductive coils on at leastthe first side or the second side of at least one of the stators aredifferent in diameter.